Final answer:
Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins, often occurring in the legs, due to faulty valves. Symptoms include heaviness, swelling, increased bleeding, and skin changes, with severe cases leading to ulcers. Treatment may involve conservative measures or medical procedures, depending on severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are characterized by veins that have become enlarged and twisted, typically appearing in the legs. This occurs when the valves in the veins fail to function properly, leading to blood pooling and vein distention. Some common symptoms of varicose veins include a heavy and achy feeling in the legs, especially after prolonged periods of standing, swelling of the ankles, increased bleeding from minor injuries, and skin changes such as redness, dryness, and itchiness over the affected area. Severe cases may lead to skin ulcers. Additionally, symptoms like pain, edema, and throbbing may occur, complicating the discomfort caused by the varicose veins.
Treatment for varicose veins ranges from conservative measures like leg elevation, wearing compression stockings to more invasive procedures like laser surgery or conventional vein removal. The decision on treatment methods largely depends on the severity of the varicose veins, and in some cases, lifestyle changes may be recommended to alleviate symptoms without medical intervention.